Injury Treatment In Your Pantry

Most runners get injured at least once in their running careers. Whether it’s a sore tendon or sudden muscle pull, your body goes through a series of responses to start healing itself.

Research shows that what you eat while recovering can actually help you get back on your feet sooner rather than later.

Here’s how to adjust your diet:

You Need Kilojoules

Skimping on fuel will slow down the healing process: Even though you’re not running and are less active, your metabolism goes up after an injury. That’s because your body has to burn kilojoules to build new tissue to repair muscles and tendons.

Healing fix: Don’t skip meals. Eat at least every five hours to keep up your energy. Weigh yourself weekly to make sure you’re at a healthy weight.

You need protein

Post-injury your body breaks down more protein than it can make, causing the injured muscle to atrophy. Not eating enough protein can make matters worse.

The amino acid leucine (a protein building block) may help prevent some of the protein loss common with injuries.

Healing fix: Add quality protein to every meal. The best sources include eggs, chicken, lean beef, pork, seafood, soya and low-fat dairy. Aim for a total of 60 to 90 grams daily.

You need omega-3s

These essential fats are good for joint and heart health, but when you’re injured, they may also suppress inflammation that can hamper the healing process. Studies also show that getting more omega-3s in your diet may help decrease muscle atrophy.

Healing fix: Eat at least two servings of omega-3-rich seafood, like salmon, a week. Add walnuts and flaxseed oil to smoothies. Buy eggs enriched with omega-3s.

You need vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a key role in rebuilding bone after a stress or regular fracture. Since your body naturally produces it when exposed to sunlight, your circulating levels are sufficient this time of year but add this nutrient to your diet if your injury is keeping you stuck indoors.